Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1887-07-23

sis that you, Mr.. Dixoni Agnes Is
here, and wants to try to speak to YOU"
Then I heard her giving directions.
"Stsnd a little nearer; press this close to
your ear-so.D
"Good-morning," I called.
In return l heard a giggle and my
Agnes's voice exclaiming: Oh, ohl It
tickles my earl" Then more directions
from Miss Peyton, and at last the
sweetest voice in the world began in as
nearly as might be stentorian roar:
SIS that really you, Harryi Isn't this
perfectly sweetl Are you sure they can't
hear in the Office, Georgiel"
"Well," from George. "I should
say they certainly could, If you shout
like that"
Harry" in a half whisper, elf you
are sure it's really you, and that no one
else can hear, want to tell you some
thing. Do you remember that queer
Miss Blake in Aikenl Do you hear me.
Harry7"
eyes" replied.
Then another little giggle. s1sn't it
too funnyG Do you know, Harry, now
that 1 see how to use it, I'm going to
talk to you ever so often. Won't it be
fun2 But where wasI2 Dear me, how
stupidl Oh, Iknow, Miss Blake Well,
she has just sent me the loveliest-"
Here Clarkson muttered, "Old Grufr
ccming," and knowing that he would
ask an explanation of my receiving the
telephone messages, was obliged to
abruptly interrupt: 81 must go now
l had almost said ''my darling" 'Tell
me the rest this evening""
"But, HarryI' I heard in a grieved
little voice; but Mr. Gruffland's footsteps
were too near, and hung up the re-
ceiver upside down, and hurried back 70
my desk.
All day / worked in nervous despera-
ton. Would she try to resume the con-
versation2 Every time the bell rang 1
glanced at Clarkson. The thought that
it might be her voice whispering in his
great red ear covered me with cold
perspiration. The fear that in Mr..
Gruffiand's hearing I might be called
,,r,or ~ oucrvor sor,a of har obaffar xrae
still worse. Imade up my mind that 1
must make Agnes understand that very
night that she could not amuse herself in
that way, and did so, gently but
resolutely. 1 described Clarkson's ear,
and 1 took some liberties with it. It
would be just like the wretch to receive
all her little condolences, and retail them
for the amusement of the clerks.
Old Gruff was an ogre, capable of dis
missing me without warning, if did not
attend every minute to my business. Our
hopes of happiness depended upon his
good pleasure. Miss Peyton was cool
and dignifed. suppose she knew 1
was exeggerating. Agnes looked hurt.
Her sweet lips trembled a little,
and her eyes were suspiciously dim. l
longed to have her alone for little while
to comfort her, as knew could; but
there was no chance, for, though Miss
George relented sufficiently to go up
stairs to write an important letter, :"
Raphael was there, resting his elbow on
the table. and looking upat Agnes with
an expression of deep pity in his beauti-
full but sleepy dark eyes.
And yet the next day the same thing
occurred. Mr.. Gruffland was there, and
looked up from his papers with glance
of disapproval as took Clarkson's place
at the telephone. My "HullO" was
rather savage.
ooh Harry Do forgive mel Indeed,
indeed 1 felt so sorry last night, and
wanted to tell you SO; but, you, you see,
Ralph was there. I'm all alone now.
Oh Harry, won't you forgive met"
"Of course, " returned, feeling Gruff's
eyes burning unpleasantly on the nape of
my neck.
ooh Harry dear, don't talk like that
to me. Do say you love mer'
Was there ever such a child7 felt
like a cold-blooded wretch, as Ihurriedly
replied:
Gan right. I'll come up as soon as ]
can. Very busy now. Good-by.
felt, rather than heard. little sob at
the other end Of the wire. Gruff said
nothing, but I was doomed to another
miserable day. I managed to ask Clark
son, il was called again, to say could
not attend, and five times / heard him
give this message, and each time he
turned away with mighty grin. What
might not Agnes have said to himl
OF course, hurried to the Peyton's,
determined to see her alone. She came